Could it be the first sign of a broader industry turnaround? The blossoming of a single flower signaling the end of long, hard economic winter? It’s hard to say, but the news is encouraging: Robinson Helicopter Co. just reported it more than doubled its production in 2011, building 356 helicopters last year versus 162 in 2010.
The brightest spot on Robinson’s sales ledger by far was the four-seat R44, a healthy 212 of which were produced last year. The tally also included 88 of the new turbine-powered R66 model and 56 R22s, Robinson basic two-seater.
